Gross National Income and Gross National Happiness Radio Programs

About

This 4-part radio series explores the meaning behind the terms Gross National Income, commonly used as a proxy measure for a successful nation. The series goes on to explore another concept – Gross National Happiness, and in particular looks at how Yolngu understand their own communities and lives from these two points of view. Yolŋu Matha with some English

This 4-part radio series explores the meaning behind the terms Gross National Income, commonly used as a proxy measure for a successful nation. The series goes on to explore another concept – Gross National Happiness, and in particular looks at how Yolŋu (Yolngu) understand their own communities and lives from these two points of view.

Gross National Income and Gross National Happiness Series - Part 1 - What is Gross National Income

This program introduces the concept of GNI. A phrase Warrpam‘ (gross) Ŋaraka (national) Rrupiya (income) as a direct translation is used in this program. Two senior Yolŋu ARDS staff have extensive dialogue to contextualise the GNI concept by referring to Yolŋu trading history with Macassan from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Income was not being generated by the Macassan trading, but both Yolŋu and Macassan exchanged and experienced economic and cultural values.

Gross National Income and Gross National Happiness Series - Part 2 - GNI Top 10 Countries

Following the first program, this program introduces top 10 countries on GNI. America, China, Japan, Germany and India etc. The two senior Yolŋu ARDS staff expand their dialogue to explain characteristic of those countries. Yet the more the GNI top 10 countries are shown, more questions they have in their mind; “Are people living in those countries happy?”

Gross National Income and Gross National Happiness Series - Part 3 - What is Gross National Happiness

This program looks into the meaning of happiness for Yolŋu. Value of riŋgitj (clan affiliation), gurrutu (kinship), rom (legal system) and djalkiri (foundation)to discuss what makes Yolŋu feel happy (now and and in the past). Mainstream media often regards Gross National Income as a measure and value of your life, yet this program critically investigates this point from the perspective of Yolŋu life.

Gross National Income and Gross National Happiness Series - Part 4 - Comparison of GNI and GNH

The last program of this series compares the top 10 countries on GNI and GNH. Interestingly none of the top 10 GNI countries are listed in top 10 GNH countries. Almost of all the top 10 GNH counties are ranked in very low in GNI. What does this mean? Yolŋu audience are expected to imagine what those countries look like and reflect who Yolŋu are and what is the value of Yolŋu culture.